en DECLIN Domino/Consequence

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by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer

Domino/Consequence is the second full-length album from Italian band en DECLIN. The band plays a haunting and emotionally-charged brand of dark progressive rock that brings to mind Anathema, A Perfect Circle and to some extent Katatonia and even Porcupine Tree. There are also similarities to the underrated American act The Reticent.

Like Anathema and A Perfect Circle, en DECLIN drops just enough heavy, distorted guitar to hint at a more extreme metal background, though it never strays too far in that direction. There’s also an almost Scandinavian sense of stark misery and sheer coldness that recalls Katatonia at their melancholy best. En DECLIN’s music seems to be all about emotion. Even a casual listen to Domino/Consequence is like walking past a heated argument between lovers. You catch a glimpse and can’t help but stop what you’re doing to observe the heart-wrenching display of human emotion and interaction. That’s the essence of Domino/Consequence, and the reason it resonates so effectively. It’s more than just the lyrics – though they’re powerful enough; it’s everything from the mournful guitar tone to the melodies to the vocals that make this such a haunting album. It sounds like the band is collectively tearing their heart out and displaying it for all to see.

It’s also worth mentioning that while en DECLIN displays some progressive rock elements, they’re not really progressive the way bands like Riverside and Porcupine Tree are (though they should appeal to fans of both bands).

Domino/Consequence is one of the highlights of a very impressive year for new music, and is one of the best albums of its kind in a good while.

Highlights include the metallic, almost frenzied “Domino” and the mesmerizing cover of the Beatles staple “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” The latter is moving enough to have even the most jaded fighting tears. Anyone who enjoys the darker, more emotional style of progressive rock and metal – anything from Anathema and Katatonia to Tool and A Perfect Circle – should absolutely check out en DECLIN.

Label: My Kingdom Music

Track Listing:

1. 14 Days
2. Over
3. Envied Routine
4. Naïve
5. Domino
6. Consequence
7. Keyword Out of Context
8. Leave Apart a Sense
9. The Script
10. While My Guitar Gently Weeps
11. Dipped
12. Keyword Out of Context (Italian Version) (bonus track)

Lineup:
Massimo – Bass
Andrea – Guitar
Mauricio – Vocals
Marco – Drums
Daniele – Guitar

Online: www.endeclin.it

Hardrock Haven Rating: 8.5/10